Mzungu is a term that was originally used to refer to people of Europe, literally translated (based on this origin) - it is "one who wanders around" or "wanderer." In days, the term "mzungu" is used among the Bantu peoples (Kenya, Tanzania, etc.) to refer to people with white skin, strangers among their own. The series reflects the moment of cultural fusion, namely, the African "flavor" through the prism of the European attitude.

The reflection of the ethnic, African principle in these works can be considered the abstract solution of human figures, which are in the center of attention of each canvas, as well as the special fragmentation and structurelessness of the composition inherent in the primitive painting of African peoples. And the interpretation of volumes reminiscent of the masterpieces of African plastics - statuettes, masks. Despite the special color of African art in general, the color combinations are inspired by European Fauvist artists. In this connection, moderately saturated color, its purity, intensely open blotches of local shades, juxtaposition of contrasting chromatic planes became the main artistic expressions of European culture. The unifying elements of the work can be considered the deliberate spontaneity and dynamism of the drawing, the simplification of the form.


Series 2021:
Mzungu
MZUNGU: DANCING QUEEN
The first sheet is the beginning of the day, the beginning of the traveler's journey, first impressions of immersion in the environment. The theme of the all-consuming musicality of African peoples is presented: rhythm and melody follow them every day throughout life. Africa is about endless movement, dance, energy and lust for life.


Mix media
54*48 inches
2021



MZUNGU: LET'S PLAY FOOTBAL!
The second sheet is a bundle of energy, something transforming and changing. There are also echoes of real life here: simple activities for children on a sunny day, and more generalized pieces, where forms and spaces are mixed.



Mix media
54*48 inches
2021
MZUNGU: CHILDREN IN GOLD
This work is made on the basis of acquaintance with a large Maasai family, consisting of one "dad", three "mother" and 12 children. These are people who are alien to civilization, they are not worried about Instagram and Facebook, but at 4 in the morning to milk a cow and walk the herd. They have different views on a healthy society, on the concept of happiness and, in general, on life.



Mix media
54*48 inches
2021
MZUNGU: NEAR THE SEA
This is the central sheet of the series, the middle of the road, here reality is transformed into something illusory, fantasy. Real figures turn into figurines, signs, symbols of Black Africa, and even birds remind of ancient petroglyphs.


Mix media
54*48 inches
2021
MZUNGU: MEETING OF TWO WORLDS
This sheet is about the meeting of the white world with the black, about friendliness and sincerity. People here resemble ebony figurines, so popular in Africa.



Mix media
54*48 inches
2021
MZUNGU: QUEEN'S GAMBIT
This is the only sheet inside the room, which once again emphasizes their involvement in pristine nature, the earth. Here fantasy, the game goes into the real world.



Mix media
54*48 inches
2021
MZUNGU: GOODBYE IN BLUE
This is the closing sheet of the series, the end of the wanderer's journey, the moment of farewell. He never became his own, and he never would have been able to. But he fully felt the alien local flavor, tasted a life that was not like his own, and the world in his head would not be possible.



Mix media
54*48 inches
2021